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Published on 12/11/1995 All articles from this issue

Boyds visit son stationed in Korea

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Ron and Marti Boyd of Los Altos Hills recently visited their son, Mark Boyd, in the Republic of Korea during the Reunion in Korea Program, sponsored by the Korean National Tourism Corporation.

Mark is a captain in the United States Army, and works as a Brigade S-2 with HHD, 501st Military Intelligence Brigade.

This special event began in 1981 when officials of the Korean National Tourism Corporation wanted to recognize the centennial of U.S. and Korean diplomatic relations and the American contributions to security on the peninsula.

There are about 37,000 military service members currently serving in Korea. More than 90 percent of them are serving a one-year tour without family members. "We all miss our families deeply and appreciate the chance to see them for a few weeks during tours like these," Capt. Boyd said.

Families participating in the reunion attended a welcome dinner at the Sheraton Walker Hill Hotel in Seoul, where they were briefed by a senior United States Forces Korea official about the current situation of United Nations forces and the threats facing them.

During the reunion, visitors were exposed to modern Korean culture while staying in Korean hotels, eating Korean meals and enjoying traditional local entertainment.

The families and loved ones who participated in this tour were offered a rare opportunity to see how service members live and work during an overseas assignment. For the hard-working men and women stationed overseas, this was one way for them to be recognized and appreciated.